Investigations into improving structure reliability and performance of a lightweight electrostatic actuator system for flapping micro-air vehicles

Abstract

This study investigates the emerging field of electrostatic actuation technology, with a focus on the Liquid Amplified Zipper Actuator (LAZA) as a novel mechanism for achieving wing flapping in robotic systems. This innovative approach eliminates the conventional drive train, replacing it with a system comprising two insulated chassis electrodes and a wing electrode. The system’s actuation is governed by electrostatic forces, which are modulated by a diminutive droplet of liquid dielectric. The LAZA concept demonstrates high-efficiency actuation while concurrently streamlining mechanical intricacies. This cutting-edge methodology yields an actuator that is both featherweight and robust, boasting the capacity to endure in excess of one million actuation cycles without much discernible decline in performance. The ingenuity of this technology lies in its ability to amalgamate minimalistic design with maximal functional output. The system comprises four independent circuits: a negatively charged carbon steel sheet, a positively charged copper foil, insulating tape, and dielectric fluid to amplify electrostatic force. This configuration results in slight variations between each flapping wing drive across experimental scenarios. This experiment investigated the influence of power supply voltage, frequency, and dielectric fluid volume on flapping angle. Results demonstrate a non-monotonic relationship, with flapping angle initially increasing and subsequently decreasing with each parameter. This suggests an optimal range for each parameter to maximize flapping angle, beyond which counteracting factors may come into play. The experiment investigated the Laza system with varying configurations: single and multiple flapping wings, different carbonized steel sheet sizes, and large and small- scale implementations. This preliminary investigation elucidated the role of flapping wings in the system. In essence, the LAZA technology heralds a new era for electrostatic actuators, showcasing their potential to be both efficacious and scalable.